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1 Veterinary World, EISSN: Available at RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Prevalence of zoonotic and other gastrointestinal parasites in police and house dogs in Alexandria, Egypt doi: /vetworld How to cite this article: Ahmed WM, Mousa WM, Aboelhadid SM and Tawfik MM (2014) Prevalence of zoonotic and other gastrointestinal parasites in police and house dogs in Alexandria, Egypt, Veterinary World 7(5): Introduction W. M. Ahmed, W. M. Mousa, S. M. Aboelhadid and M. M. Tawfik 1. Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt. 2. Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. 3. Department of Training, Security and Guard Dogs, Police Academy Alexandria, Egypt. Corresponding author: W. M. Ahmed, Fax , Cell phone: Received: , Revised: , Accepted: , Published online: The dog was the first domesticated animal. Dogs perform many roles for people such as hunting, pulling loads protection, assisting police, military work, companionship and more recently aiding handicapped individuals. This impact on human society has given them the nickname "Man's Best Friend" in the western world. The use of dogs in the Egyptian police began early last century, when their ability to distinguish smells that cannot be detected by humans was realized. In many parts of the world, the intestinal parasites of dogs receive considerable attention because dogs serve as reservoirs, carriers and transmitters of several pathogens, including parasites, which are considered zoonotic and a number of them are of significant public health concern [1, 2]. Nowadays, dogs are living with humans in houses all over the world. Children are at special risk of infection because of their closer direct and indirect contact to dogs as compared to adults. The most common enteric parasites of dogs are Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Taenia hydatigena, Echinicoccus spp., Dipylidium caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora canis [3, 4]. Abstract Aim: This work estimates the gastrointestinal parasites of police and house dogs in Egypt with reference to its zoonotic risk. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples of 180 from police and house dogs were collected and then examined by different flotation and sedimentation techniques. Results: Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in police dogs was 7.5% and, in house dogs was 40%. Fecal examination of 120 police dogs revealed Toxocara canis eggs in 0.8%, Ancylsotoma caninum 1.7%, Trichuris vulpis 0.8 %, Cystoisospora canis 4.2% and Giardia species1.7%. Examination of 60 house dogs revealed Toxocaracanis eggs in 5% and Toxoascaris leonina 1.7 %, Cystoisospora canis 3.3%, Giardia species 31.7%, Entamoeba histolytica 18.3% and Cryptosporidium spp. 1.7%. Furthermore, age, sex, uncooked feed and communal housing revealed significant enteric parasite (P <0.05). Moreover, the zoonotic risks of police and house dogs were T. canis, A. caninum, T. vulpis, Giardia species, E. Histolytica and Cryptosporidium species. The puppies are representing the most zoonotic risk. Conclusion: In spite of, hygienic measures, regular deworming and high quality feeding of police and house dogs, a range of different parasites were recorded in this work. Parasitic zoonosis from police and house dogs has to be considered, especially for dog trainers and owners. Keywords: gastrointestinal parasites, house dogs, police dogs, zoonotic risk. Copyright: The authors. This article is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ( which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. Dogs are frequently infected by intestinal parasites. Moreover, several canine intestinal parasites are zoonotic and are considered important to public health. Although dogs are often considered family members by their owners, it is important to emphasize that they may be vectors of intestinal parasites. Although internal parasites cause mostly chronic asymptomatic types of infections, they can cause clinical disease in dogs depending on the burden and pathogenicity of the parasites. In addition, dogs are definitive hosts for a range of parasites with heterogeneous life cycles for which herbivorous and omnivorous animals serve as intermediate hosts such as Echinococcus spp. and Neospora spp. The canine intestinal parasites have an oral-fecal transmission cycle and a major component for the spread of these parasites is the shedding of oocysts or cysts and eggs or larvae into the environment [4, 5]. The transmission of zoonotic agents could be through indirect contact with animal secretions and excreta, infected water and food, or through direct contact with the animal [6]. The target of this study was to determine the prevalence of zoonotic and other gastrointestinal parasites (helminthes and protozoa) in both police and house dogs in Alexandria, Egypt. Materials and Methods Ethical approval: Not necessary. Veterinary World, EISSN:

2 Table-1: Prevalence of enteric parasite species detected in police and house dogs feces. Parasite Police dogs (n=120) House dogs (n=60) Chi-square P- value Zoonotic potential No. Prevalence No. Prevalence positive (%) positive (%) Ancylostoma caninum Cutaneous larva migrans and eosinophilic enteritis Toxocara canis Visceral and ocular larva migrans Toxoscaris leonina None Trichuris vulpis Duodenal ulcer disease Cystoisospora canis None Giardia species * Giardiasis Entamoeba histolytica < 0.05* Entameobiasis Cryptosporidium species Cryptosporidiosis * mean there is a significant difference between house and police dogs at P <0.05. Some animals have single parasitic infection (Mono infection) and others have mixed infection (hetero infection). Study area: This study was conducted during the using different solutions (saturated salt solution, zinc period from January 2012 to January 2013 on police sulphate and Sheather's solution) and fecal dogs from Department of Training Security and Guard sedimentation technique [7]. Furthermore, formol Dogs, Police Academy and house dogs in Alexandria, ether sedimentation technique [8] was applied for each the second largest city and the second largest sample. Iodine solution was used to facilitate metropolitan area in Egypt after Greater Cairo. protozoan and cyst identification. The modified Ziehl- Neelsen (MZN) staining technique is used to detect Animals: The study animals included 180 dogs divided into two groups: Cryptosporidium spp.oocysts in the feces [9]. Parasites were identified on the basis of eggs, oocysts A- Police dogs: One hundred twenty police dogs (112 or cysts color, shape and contents [7, 10]. males and 8 females) were of exotic(pure) breeds. They Statistical analysis: were categorized according to age into three categories Raw data were entered into a from 0 to 6 months (12), from 6 months to 1 year (12) Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and descriptive statistics and older than 1 year (96). Each animal was housed in a were used to summarise the data. The prevalence was single cage and fed on dry food. All animals were calculated for all data as the number of infected subjected to regular deworming protocol. Puppies individuals divided by the number of individuals were dewormed at 2 weeks of age and then repeated at examined and multiplied by 100 to express in percentage. 5 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks with Chi square was used to assess the association of risk fenbendazole (granules 22.2%). Adult dogs receive factors on the prevalence of parasites. All statistical their deworming (Fenbendazole) twice per year. In analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical pregnant bitches, Fenbendazole used from day 40 of software. The significance level was P<0.05 [11]. pregnancy to 2 days post whelping. Results B- House dogs: Sixty house dogs (42 males and 19 Prevalence of enteric parasites in police and house females), 16 were of local (mixed) Egyptian breeds and dogs: The overall prevalence of enteric parasites 44 of pure exotic breeds. They were categorized infection by fecal examination was 18.3% (33/180) in according to age into three categories from 0 to 6 all examined dogs. The prevalence of the infection in months (9), from 6 months to 1 year (11) and older than police dogs was 7.5% (9/120 animals) and, in house 1 year (40). All animals were group-housed (more than dogs, was 40% animals (24 of 60). The recovered one dog per house) and fed on uncooked food. helminth eggs were A. caninum, T. canis, T. leonina and Trichuris vulpis. In addition, the recorded protozoa Fecal samples collection: Fresh fecal samples were were Cystoisospora canis, Giardia species, Entamoeba collected by server (police dogs) or by owner (house histolytica and Cryptosporidium spp oocyts (Table-1, dogs) from the ground in the morning immediately Plates-1, 2 and 3, Figure-1 and 2). after voiding by dogs and individually labelled in Risk factors and enteric parasite infections in police plastic containers. Each sample represented one animal and house dogs: The risk factors are age, sex, breed, and was collected from both asymptomatic and feeding and housing systems. According to age, symptomatic dogs. Formalin (10%) was used as puppies (under 6 months) showed significant enteric preservative for the samples. The age, gender, history parasite prevalence 66.6% (P <0.000). In addition, of anthlemintic usage, housing and feeding systems females showed significant enteric parasite prevalence were recorded for each dog. 33.3% (P <0.05) compared with males (15.7%). Other Examination techniques: The fecal samples were risk factors like, the uncooked feeding and the communal examined macroscopically for adult nematodes and housing, revealed significant enteric parasite prevalence tapeworm proglottids. Each sample was subjected for 40% (P < 0.000) in comparison to dry feed or individual examination by centrifugal fecal floatation technique housing systems (7.50%) (Table-2). Veterinary World, EISSN:

3 Plate-1: A. Toxocara canis eggs (80 80 um). B. Toxoascaris leonine eggs ( um). The two species can be differentiated by egg shell morphology: egg shell of T. canis is granular and that of T. leonina is lamellated. Plate-2: A. Ancylostoma caninum egg ( um), with an elliptical shape and smooth shell wall containing a grape like cluster of cells (morula). B. Ancylostoma caninum Larvated. C. Trichuris vulpis egg ( um). Eggs are typically symmetrical about the bipolar plugs, barrel shaped, and brown. The shell wall surface is smooth. Plate-3: A. Cystoisospora canis sporulated oocyst ( um). B. Cystoisospora canis sporulated oocyst (2 sporocyst). C. Entamoeba histolytica cyst (12 15um). Mature cyst has 4 nuclei; immature cyst has 1 or 2 nuclei. D. Giardia spp cyst (9 7um). Cysts are elliptical with a thin, smooth cyst wall and contain two to four nuclei. Figure-1: Prevalence of enteric helminth species detected in police and house dogs. Figure-2: Prevalence of enteric protozoa species detected in police and house dogs. The zoonotic impact of the enteric parasites species in Regarding age and the parasite species infecting dogs, the identified helminth eggs (A. caninum, T. canis, T. leonina and Trichuris vulpis) were signifi- cantly prevalent in puppies (P<0.05). In the same way, Cystoisospora canis oocyts were significantly prevalent in puppies (P<0.000). On the other hand, age was not a factor for enteric parasite prevalence in relation to Giardia species, E. histolytica and Crypto- sporidium species (Table-3). police and house dogs: The enteric parasites recorded in this study showed an impact of zoonosis and hazard to public health. These parasites are A. caninum, T. canis, T. vulpis and Giardia species in police dogs. In addition, T. canis, Giardia species, E. histolytica and Cryptosporidium species were of zoonotic potential in house dogs. Moreover, Giardia spp. and E. histolytica were found to be the common parasites which could be Veterinary World, EISSN:

4 Table-2: The risk factors effect on enteric parasites affection in police and house dogs. Risk factors Categories No. examined No. positive Prevalence (%) Chi-square P- value Age Under 6months 6-12months >1 year Sex Male Female Breed Local Exotic Feeding Dry Uncooked Housing Individual Communal Table-3: Prevalence of parasite species in relation to age in police and house dogs. Risk factors Categories No. examined No. positive Prevalence (%) Chi-square P- value A. Caninum Under 6months months >1year T. canis Under 6months month >1year T. leonina Under 6months ms >1year Trichuris vulpis Under 6months months >1year Cystoisospora canis Under 6months months >1year Giardia spp Under 6months months >1year Entamoeba histolytica Under 6months months >1year Cryptosporidium spp. Under 6months months >1year of zoonotic importance coming from house dogs (Table- dogs were found to be infected with one or two nematode 1). The puppies were the suitable and the most susceptible species. for these parasites except for Cryptosporidium spp. According to risk factors, animals puppies under which was recorded in aged dogs (over one year) (Table-3). 6 months of age showed the significant enteric parasite Discussion prevalence to be 66.6% (P < 0.000) in a comparison with the other age groups. The effect of risk factors Ongoing levels of pet ownership all over the world enforced by Abere et al. [11], who estimated the raises the importance of dogs. In addition, commercial parasites prevalence, was strongly associated with age. and official use of dogs in international showing, Also the same author showed that the overall prevalence security and in the military increases the demand and of parasites was significantly higher in young dogs (< 1 attention to these animals. One of the most common year) than adults [11]. This was partially due to parasite ailments of dogs all over the world is the parasitic specific immunity usually acquired with age or probably infection especially the intestinal ones. Moreover, as a consequence of single or repeated exposures [13]. several canine parasites have a zoonotic importance and Concerning the sex as a risk factor, females represent a public health hazard. showed significant enteric parasite prevalence 33.3% In this work a total number of 180 fecal samples at (P <0.05) than male dogs (15.7%). Since, females of of police and house dogs were examined by different police and house dogs included in the comparison with techniques. However, the hygienic measures, regular the males, other risk factors such as age, uncooked food deworming and high quality feeding of police and and communal housing may interfere with the sex house dogs, different parasites were recorded in this effect. A study in Nigeria indicated that female dogs work; the total percentages of parasites infection were were more likely to contract intestinal nematodes than (18.3%). This finding is supported by Senlik et al. [12], male dogs [14]. On the other side, Zelalem et al. [15], who clarified that, even with a relatively high level of found that, prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes care, including veterinary attention; military dogs was higher in male dogs (79.2%) than female (76.8%) frequently harbour intestinal nematodes. In addition, dogs [15]. they recorded a percentage of 30.4% of the examined Breed was not found statistically significant as a Veterinary World, EISSN:

5 risk factor for the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes larvae. This is more common in children who often in local, cross and exotic breeds of dogs. This report practice pica [19]. A. caninum was found in police dogs agrees with the previous study of Swai et al. [16] in (1.7%). The larvae of hookworms (Ancylostoma and Tanzania. This indicates that all breeds have equal Uncinaria) can penetrate the skin of humans as well as chance of acquiring the infection if they are exposed to the relevant canine or feline host. According to the infected materials. On the contrary, prevalence of present study, the server of police dogs is under risk of helminthes in exotic-breed dogs were higher (81.3%) infection by this parasite through cleaning of dog cages than local-breed dogs (76.6%) [15]. Uncooked feeding in an unhygienic manner. When the larvae migrate revealed significant enteric parasite prevalence 40% (P under the skin, progressive linear eruptions occur, <0.000). Feeding as a risk factor go parallel with study resulting in cutaneous larva migrans or creeping of Zelalem, G. and Mekonnen [15] who clarified that, eruption. This condition is more common in areas of prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes was highest higher humidity (tropical and subtropical regions), in dogs that were fed raw (93.7%) followed by dogs particularly in people who have to crawl beneath buildings, that feed mixed (90.7%) and cooked (37.5%) feed items. sunbathers who sun bake in areas contaminated by Statistical analysis of the data showed significant hookworm larvae, or people who walk around barefooted difference (P<0.05) in prevalence of helminthes between [20]. Daily removal of faeces from the environment will feed types. The highest prevalence of gastrointestinal reduce the chance of infection in both pets and their helminthes in dogs that were fed raw is clarified by the owners. fact that cooking can kill or inactivate infective eggs or It is of interest to note about the zoonotic importance cysts of gastrointestinal helminthes which could be of T. vulpis. The risk of T. vulpis was supported by Dunn, transferred among dogs via feed [15]. Also, communal et al. [21] who recorded a case of human infection with housing, showed significant enteric parasite prevalence the whipworm of dogs, T. vulpis, in a woman with 40% (P <0.000). These findings were augmented by [11] duodenal ulcer disease, chronic diarrhea, and close contact who showed that feeding management had a significant with dogs. Morphologically, T. vulpis ova resemble influence in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth those of the human whipworm (T. trichiura) but are infections. Dogs which receive great care from their nearly twice their size. Few cases of presumed human owners had lower incidence of intestinal helminths infection by T. vulpis had been described [22]. On the than dogs lacking such privileges. other side, Donato [23] viewed that clear data still need It is of interest to mention; dogs are coprophagic to be provided to definitively add this parasite to the and will eat not only dog feces but feces of many other causes of human intestinal infections. Giardia spp. was species as well. This brings up the possibility that the recorded in police (1.7%) and house dogs (31.7%).This amoeba cysts, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria oocysts high prevalence of Giardia among the Shelterd Dogs is were from ingested feces of other species and may just recoded by [24]. Epidemiological evidence would have been passing though the dog, not an actual suggest that humans are likely to be the main reservoir infection. The lack of these infections in police dogs of human giardiasis and it is likely that direct person-towhich are better managed and not allowed to roam person transmission is more important than zoonotic would support this. transmission. However, dogs and cats can carry strains The investigation of the zoonotic risk revealed of Giardia which are potentially infective to humans, that, T. canis, A. caninum, T. vulpis, Giardia spp and and therefore, the zoonotic potential must be Cryptosporidium spp. represent zoonotic risk factors for considered, especially for immunocompromised people the dog trainers and owners. The zoonotic potentiality of [17]. The zoonotic potential of canine Giardia remains these parasites is supported by [17]. T. canis was largely an unresolved issue [1]. detected in both police and house dogs 0.8 and 5% Zoonotic potentiality of Cryptosporidium spp. respectively. It is worth mentioning that, puppies should be considered which is supported by Sargent et represent a higher zoonotic risk than adults at p <0.05. al. [25], who clarified that Cryptosporidium had also T. canis infections recorded in young dogs is in been detected in dogs and cats, and these animals may agreement with its route of migration (lactogenic and represent potential sources of infection for humans. transplacental ways). This finding is supported by Conclusion Senlik, et al. [12] who recorded that, T. canis infection of Turkish military dogs was (13.3%). Also they It could be concluded that, the parasitic infection recorded that, T. canis infections were more frequently rate was higher in house dogs (40%) than police dogs seen in puppies (0-6 months old). Moreover, Overgaauw, (7.5%). Puppies, females, dogs that are fed on raw stuff P.A. and Boersema, J.H. [18] recorded T. canis 21% in and dogs in communal housing are the more adult dogs and 48% in puppies. Prevalence of T. canis susceptible to enteric parasites infection. It is of interest was higher in young (48.9%) dogs than in adults to note that all the estimated parasites either helminths (22.8%) [15]. Human toxocariasis (toxocaral larva or protozoa have a direct life cycle. These animals were migrans) has been reported to be the most common housed under captivity so the chances for harbouring zoonotic parasitic infection acquired from pets, as cedstodes or trematodes, which require an intermediate people become infected when they accidentally ingest host, were limited. Inspite of, hygienic measures, Veterinary World, EISSN:

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